Causes of a Dryer Not Heating Up – Things You Can Do Yourself

Doing laundry is on everyone’s to-do list, but when the dryer stops heating up, it can dampen anyone’s mood. While some problems with your dryer require professional help, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot and fix your appliance yourself.

The most obvious cause of a dryer not heating up is a tripped circuit breaker. If you check the breaker box and find that it’s been flipped to the “off” position, flip it back on to see if this fixes your problem.

If your dryer doesn’t have any heat after a cycle, you should try checking the heating element. The heating element generates the heat that dries your clothes in an electric dryer and warms air in a gas dryer. Over time, the heating element can wear out and break, preventing your dryer from producing any heat. To test the heating element, you can use a multimeter to determine whether it has continuity at room temperature.

Another common cause of a dryer not heating is a blocked exhaust vent. Over time, lint can accumulate in the vent and prevent it from blowing hot air out of the dryer. Check and clean the exhaust vent often to keep it from becoming clogged and blocking your appliance’s ability to produce hot air.

The thermostat or flame sensor may be at fault if your dryer isn’t heating up. The thermostat is responsible for controlling all cycles and settings in your dryer, including heat. It can fail to function correctly if it’s damaged or has become charred. The flame sensor in a gas dryer is a set of metal coils that detect heat and turn on the gas valve to start the gas flow. It’s important to know how to check and replace the flame sensor to ensure your dryer functions properly.